Shatavari: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
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Scientific name(s)
Asparagus racemosus
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Isoflavones
Saponins
Flavonoids
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Stress ✪✪✪✪✪
Shatavari is recognized for its adaptogenic properties, capable of modulating the stress response. A clinical study using a plant mix formula called EuMil, containing Shatavari combined with Ashwagandha, Tulsi, and Amla, showed promising results. Administered daily for 30 days, this formula reduced noradrenaline and corticosterone levels, key markers of chronic stress. Although the specific effect of Shatavari alone was not isolated, its richness in steroidal saponins, known for their physiological action, suggests it plays a significant role in this balance.
Posologie
Oral: root
500 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
Synergies
Sexual Disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Sexual disorders, including decreased libido, might be alleviated by Shatavari. A study evaluated a formulation called Siotone, combining Shatavari, Tribulus terrestris, Ashwagandha, and Tulsi. Administered daily over 30 days, this formula improved sexual activity and certain neurochemical parameters in male participants. These results confirm Shatavari’s interest in supporting sexual function, although the isolated effects of the plant still warrant further study.
Posologie
Oral: root
500 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
Synergies
Lactation ✪✪✪✪✪
Shatavari is traditionally used to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding mothers, a benefit confirmed by modern studies. A randomized clinical study administered 60 mg/kg/day of Shatavari root capsules to breastfeeding mothers for 30 days. The results revealed a significant 33% increase in prolactin levels, compared to only a 9.5% increase in the control group. This hormonal increase resulted in a noticeable improvement in milk production, making Shatavari a natural and effective solution for breastfeeding women.
Posologie
Oral: root
500 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial for Evaluation of Galactogogue Activity of Asparagus racemosus Willd
Randomized controlled trial of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) as a lactogogue in lactational inadequacy
Menopause ✪✪✪✪✪
Menopause marks an inevitable physiological turning point in women's lives, often accompanied by symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, depression, vaginal dryness, and decreased libido. These disturbances are linked to the decrease in estrogen levels. While hormone replacement therapies remain a common solution, their use comes with risks such as cardiovascular diseases or cancers. A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Shatavari in alleviating these symptoms. This multicenter study, conducted on 70 women aged 40 to 65, administered 250 mg of standardized Shatavari root extract twice daily for 60 days. The results revealed a significant improvement in quality of life (evaluated by the Utian QoL scale) in the Shatavari group compared to the placebo. - Hot flashes and night sweats: The average number of hot flashes dropped from 1.97 to 0.14 per day in the active group, compared to a lesser decrease in the placebo group. - Improved sleep: The global insomnia score (Regensburg Insomnia Scale) showed a significant reduction of -41% in the Shatavari group, versus +19.56% in the placebo group. - Libido and vaginal dryness: Shatavari reduced vaginal dryness and improved sexual satisfaction, thanks to its phytoestrogenic effect. - Reduction of anxiety and fatigue: Stress and anxiety scores (DASS-21) showed significant improvement, attributed to the adaptogenic properties of Shatavari. No major adverse reactions were reported, and Shatavari was well tolerated during the study period.
Posologie
Oral route: root
500 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
Shatavari Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women Improves Handgrip Strength and Increases Vastus Lateralis Myosin Regulatory Light Chain Phosphorylation but Does Not Alter Markers of Bone Turnover
Properties
Adaptogen
The steroidal saponins, especially shatavarin IV, act as modulators of the stress response. They influence cortisol levels and pathways associated with oxidative stress. Animal studies show Shatavari reduces corticosterone levels, an indicator of stress, and improves cognitive functions related to chronic stress. These effects are enhanced by its ability to increase neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin and dopamine in synergistic plant formulations: Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Emblica officinalis (Amla).
Usages associés
Immunomodulator
Shatavari stimulates innate and adaptive immune responses. The steroidal saponins and polysaccharides increase macrophage and T lymphocyte activity. Studies show increased phagocytosis and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α. Shatavari also counteracts the immunosuppressive effects of certain chemical agents, such as cyclophosphamide, and can enhance vaccine responses.
Hormonal Metabolism
The steroidal saponins, acting as phytoestrogens, partially mimic the effect of estrogens by binding to hormonal receptors. This helps balance hormone levels, particularly during menopause and in menstrual disorders. Shatavari also inhibits uterine contractions induced by oxytocin, making it useful in preventing miscarriage. These effects have been confirmed in animal studies.
Usages associés
Galactagogue
Shatavari stimulates breast milk production by increasing prolactin levels, a key hormone in lactation. This mechanism is attributed to its steroidal saponins, which act on the hypothalamus and pituitary to promote prolactin secretion. A clinical study showed a 33% increase in prolactin levels in breastfeeding women who consumed Shatavari root capsules.
Usages associés
Digestive Effect
Shatavari improves gastrointestinal motility and protects the gastric mucosa by increasing mucus secretion. Its compounds reduce acid secretions and oxidative damage related to gastric and duodenal ulcers. It also acts on digestive enzymes (amylase and lipase), aiding digestion. These antiulcer properties are comparable to drugs such as ranitidine in animal models.
Safety dosage
Adult: 500 mg - 1000 mg (standardized extract)
Standardized extract: 250 mg to 500 mg twice a day. Duration: 8 to 12 weeks, depending on needs. Digestive disorders (ulcers, dyspepsia): - Root powder: 3 to 6 g per day, in infusion or capsule. - Duration: 4 to 6 weeks.
Breastfeeding woman: 500 mg (standardized extract)
Standardized extract: 60 mg/kg of body weight per day. Duration: 30 days in clinical trials, under supervision.
Precautions
Edema: avoid
By analogy with the use of asparagus root in diuretic therapies approved by Commission E, it is advised to avoid Shatavari in cases of edema caused by functional heart or kidney disorders.
Contraindications
Pregnant woman: prohibited
An animal study demonstrated teratogenic effects at doses of 100 mg/kg/day administered for 60 days in rats. These results suggest a possible danger to fetal development.
